Behind the Scenes

Getting ready for the upcoming Ukrainian Fashion Week SS25, which will take place in Kyiv from September 1 to 4, the UFW team reached out to the participating brands with a question: How is your brand coping with the full-scale invasion? Khrystyna Rachytska, designer and founder of her namesake jewelry and accessories brand, talks about the demand for ethno, the value of handwork, and whether it is possible to nurture Ukrainian culture when the enemy tries to destroy it.

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been a significant challenge for us and the entire country. The first days were especially difficult due to the great uncertainty we faced. However, we quickly organized our work by distributing sewing equipment to the homes of our artisans so they could work in a safe environment close to their families.

“At the start of the full-scale war, when leaving home with my sons, I packed old embroidered shirts, understanding that I had to save ‘life in a suitcase’ – these were the most technically complex and oldest shirts in the collection,” says Khrystyna Rachytska, the founder of the brand. Our work on recreating authentic patterns from 100-year-old garments passed down from our great-grandmothers has gained new momentum. It has become not just a fashion but a symbol of resistance and spiritual strength, with the goal of passing them on to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With the onset of the war, the demand for embroidered clothing only increased. Ukrainians strive to preserve their national identity. We are experiencing a new revival of national consciousness and a sense of belonging to the Ukrainian nation.

We are actively working on opening our own ethnic space, which will become a modern center of Ukrainian folk art and cultural heritage preservation. Since the beginning of 2022, we have expanded our sales points in Lviv and Kyiv to meet the growing demand.

We also work internationally, holding shows and participating in charity projects. For instance, our shows in London, Italy, and the USA, supported by the UCARE organization, have raised significant funds for children affected by the war. These were extremely important events that showcased the strength and beauty of Ukrainian culture to the world.

During the war, we have not only preserved but also expanded our team, continuing to work with high-quality Italian and French materials. The key to our success is constant work and faith in Ukraine’s victory. Love for our work and adherence to our principles help us overcome all challenges and move forward, creating products that have both material and spiritual value.